KI Recognizes the Passing of Design Leader Giancarlo Piretti

January 23, 2026

Celebrating a Visionary Whose Creative Legacy Shaped the Future of Furniture

GREEN BAY – KI joins the global design community in honoring the life and legacy of Giancarlo Piretti, an esteemed Italian industrial designer whose work transformed modern furniture and left an indelible mark on design worldwide. Piretti passed away on January 20, 2026, at the age of 85, leaving behind a body of work celebrated for its innovation, elegance, and enduring functionality.

“Giancarlo’s work taught the design world that profound simplicity can carry the weight of impact,” said Angela Allen, director of product management at KI. “His creative vision and meticulous approach influenced generations of designers — and touched KI’s furniture design evolution in meaningful ways.”

Piretti’s collaboration with KI spanned decades of product innovation. His design expertise contributed to a remarkable suite of KI product families that combine practicality with refined aesthetics, including comprehensive seating lines for Doni, Strive, Grazie, and Torsion, as well as the company’s best-selling Pirouette tables line.

These designs demonstrate Piretti’s mastery of form and function, each reflecting his philosophy that design should enhance everyday life while embracing visual clarity and ergonomic intelligence.

Piretti’s influence on KI extended beyond individual models; his emphasis on human-centered design and practical elegance helped inspire the company’s broader approach to workplace and educational environments. Through his work, KI continues to offer products that meet the evolving needs of contemporary spaces while honoring the integrity of thoughtful design.

Giancarlo Piretti’s legacy will live on through the countless spaces shaped by his designs and through the inspiration his work continues to offer designers, manufacturers, and users around the world.

About KI

KI manufactures innovative furniture for education, healthcare, government, and corporate markets. The employee-owned company is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with sales and manufacturing facilities worldwide. KI tailors products and service solutions to the specific needs of each customer through its unique design and manufacturing philosophy. For more information, visit ki.com.

KI Furniture
1330 Bellevue Street, Green Bay, WI 54302
Phone: (800) 424-2432
Email: info@ki.com
Website: www.ki.com